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A Vancouver ski vacation is a possibility even though the city rarely sees snow. But thanks to the abundance of mountain peaks close to the city, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other adventures once the weather turns colder. Some of the best ski resorts are located within a short distance of the city, and with easy-to-access transportation, it's a snap to add a skiing excursion to any Vancouver vacations.

Vancouver Skiing

Many ski resorts near Vancouver are busy places once the snow starts falling, which is most of the year at the higher elevations. The twin mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb are home to one of the world's top ski resorts, all within two hours of the city. The regularly scheduled Vancouver to Whistler ski bus makes it easy to travel the distance, and helicopter make the trip even shorter. Of course, if you have a rental car or your own car, a modern highway will lead the way.

The Vancouver to Whistler ski bus takes traveling in comfort to a new level. The luxury motorcoach stops at several places around town, with the first stop in Richmond at the Vancouver airport. Departures are available throughout the ski season, from November through April. On board, you can sit back and enjoy the free WiFi Internet access or watch a first-run movie on the way.

Whistler is a four-season destination, even though it's best known for winter sports. In fact, nearly half of the 2 million visitors each year come in the summer. The resort offers a mix of outdoor things to do, perfectly matched to the season. You'll also find an array of places to relax for the down time in your Vancouver ski vacation. Chic shops, exciting restaurants, and pubs are located close to spas and hotels, all in one walkable locale. The Vancouver to Whistler ski bus will take you right to the heart of the village. As one of the best ski resorts near Vancouver, Whistler is an exciting place to visit even if you don't want to hit the slopes.

If you do want to enjoy the Vancouver ski scene, it's hard to beat these peaks in the Coast Mountains. In total, the two mountains offer more than 8,000 miles of skiable terrain and a vertical drop at a mile. It's also the only place in British Columbia with glacier skiing, a thrill you won't soon forget. Whistler has the longest winter sports season around, one that begins in November and continues into July. The golf season overlaps the end of the season, beginning in April. The championship courses were designed by legends of the game Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and famed architects Robert Cupp and Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Grouse Mountain is another one of the most popular ski resorts near Vancouver. Fun in all four seasons, this hotspot for adventure is located in North Vancouver, just fifteen minutes from downtown. With amazing snow-making abilities and a bevy of trails, Grouse Mountain kicks into high gear once autumn arrives and it's chilly enough to make snow. No matter your ability, you'll be able to enjoy skiing and snowboarding at the terrain parks all with excellent views.

Several clinics scheduled throughout the winter help even beginners take part in the tradition of Vancouver snowboarding. If you want to take a break from the adventure of skiing and other winter sports, a ride on the Sno-Limo is perfect for you. A chauffeur will take care of the driving as you're whisked on a tour of all Grouse Mountain has to offer.

Beyond Whistler and Grouse Mountain, you'll have many other choices for skiing in the Vancouver region. Cypress Mountain, located just 30 minutes outside of downtown, has opened the highest peak of the North Shore Mountains for fun. Besides downhill and Nordic skiing, Cypress Mountain is a favorite place for snowshoe tours and tubing. Mount Seymour is another Vancouver-area option, with a large freestyle terrain park and toboggan rides, in addition to the traditional winter favorites. This park is only open during the colder months of the year, while Cypress Mountain offers activities all year round.